11 Incredible Places to Have a Graduation Party in California

You made it. Years of pulling all-nighters, pouring blood, sweat, and tears for finals, and trying to look alert during early-morning classes have finally come to an end. Finally. If you feel like no one else in the world deserves a party as much as you do right now, we feel you and we have your back. From scenic locales for lowkey family gatherings to crazy destinations to have the time of your life, you’ll find plenty of places to have a graduation party in California that’ll hit the mark. 

Whether you’re a graduate planning your own party or looking to organize a celebration as a gift, you won’t have to wonder where to host a graduation party much longer with the help of our list.

The top places for a graduation party in Southern California

1. The Little Ranch of Mojave

Location: Palmdale

Capacity: 130 people

Amenities: Bar, barbecue, parking, bathroom

Not really a traditional party person? Gather your crew and head out to The Little Ranch in Palmdale for a desert getaway. This unique venue in the middle of the desert gives you 360 views of Desert Valley and the Rocky Mountains, and is only accessible by trucks or cars. Book through Splacer, make barbecues, watch the sunset, and blast music all you want—who would've thought that the SoCal deserts could be great places to have a graduation party?

2. Perch L.A.

Location: 448 South Hill Street, Los Angeles

Capacity: 150 people

Amenities: Dinner service, bar, rooftop views

Perch L.A. is a tres-chic French restaurant high above D.T.L.A. with skyline views that’ll take your breath away. While this francophile restaurant features multiple places to rent for a graduation party, our vote would go to the 16th-floor rooftop which gives off a younger feel more suited for a college graduation. Scared of what the future might hold? The rooftop venue will make you feel like you’re ready to take on the world.

3. Forme

Location: 2435 North Naomi Street, Burbank

Capacity: 300 seated, 500 standing

Amenities: Catering, changing rooms, parking, WiFi, dining tables and chairs

Forme in Burbank can be anything you want it to be. Somewhat of a blank canvas yet still exuding the effortlessly cool Southern California modern vibe, this graduation party location boasts 6,000 square feet of easily customizable indoor space, as well as an outdoor courtyard. Choose this mid-century modern loft and admire the polished concrete flooring, beautiful wood planking surrounding the venue, high ceilings, exposed beam detailing, and mountain views.

4. Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate

Location: 1145 East Vía Colusa, Palm Springs

Capacity: 120 seated, 150 standing

Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, full equipped kitchen, pool, patio, pool, grill

Come fly away with us to the estate where Frank Sinatra famously hosted star-studded soirees in Palm Springs. Complete with a piano-shaped pool, rose garden, and recording studio, the Twin Palms Estate will help you and your guests revel in old Hollywood charm. Not only is this beautiful mansion one of the best places to rent for a graduation party, but it’s also one of the coolest architectural landmarks in SoCal. If you want to be the talk of the town like Sinatra was, this venue should definitely be on your radar.

5. Stolen Pony Lounge

Location: Palm Springs

Capacity: 15 seated, 20 standing

Amenities: Green room, photo booth, VIP lounge, bar

Another unique place to rent for a graduation party is the oh-so-cool Stolen Pony Lounge. A vintage mobile airstream located in Palm Springs, this stylish vehicle can take your graduation party on the road to anywhere you like—yes, even out of state. Party in style and take your graduation ceremony on the road for a day you won’t ever forget.

6. The Pearl

Location: 1410 Rosecrans Street, San Diego

Capacity: 30 seated, 150 standing

Amenities: Parking, dining tables and chairs, catering, handicap accessible

The Pearl is a hip San Diego destination that adds a stylish retro sizzle to any event. The hotel’s restaurant, lounge, pool, and private spaces can all be transformed into the graduation party spot of your dreams. Is your ideal graduation party a lowkey poolside gathering? Book the luxurious poolside cabanas. Dreaming of a more classy dinner party? The Pearl’s restaurant and bar will do the trick. 

The best graduation party spots in Northern California

7. Nestldown

Location: 22420 Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos

Capacity: 200 people

Amenities: WiFi, changing rooms, dining tables and chairs, catering, parking.

Is there anything more fairytale-esque than celebrating your graduation in a landscaped fruit farm set in the backdrop of majestic redwoods? You won’t be asking where to celebrate your graduation once you see Nestldown. A beautiful escape from the everyday world, this gorgeous venue is the perfect spot to commemorate your academic achievements.

8. 25 Lusk

Location: 25 Lusk Street, San Francisco

Capacity: 130 seated, 375 standing

Amenities: Valet parking, dinner service, WiFi, handicap accessible

A sophisticated yet edgy venue with S.F. views, the rooftop at 25 Lusk is a dream. Located in a historic building built in 1917, 25 Lusk boasts award-winning industrial-chic decor that perfectly complements its original brick and timber base. Lounge in a breezy, contemporary atmosphere and bid adieu to college ramen dinners in the best way possible as you enjoy the unbelievable meals at this beautiful venue.

9. City View at Metreon

Location: 135 Fourth Street, Suite 4000, San Francisco

Capacity: 200 to 850 people

Amenities: Skyline views, catering space, WiFi, parking

Were you the life of the party in college? Throw an appropriate goodbye to your partying days by renting a venue at City View at Metreon and painting the town red. With striking visual interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, city views like no other, and an 11,000 square foot outdoor terrace, this is an excellent graduation party location for a forever memorable bash.

10. Terra Gallery and Events

Location: 511 Harrison Street, San Francisco

Capacity: 725 people

Amenities: Parking, caterers, customizable space, WiFi

You’ll be spoiled for choice at Terra Gallery and Events. With two floors of event space, this graduation party location features three venues with customizable open-layout space. While all three venues have something unique to offer, the lower level Mer is the most contemporary and college party-appropriate—it features an outdoor area that can host up to 300 people.

11. Foreign Cinema

Location: 2534 Mission Street, San Francisco

Capacity: 170 seated, 350 standing

Amenities: Dinner service, cinema, art, fireplace, bar

Foreign Cinema is an award-winning restaurant that weaves together food, film, and art into a seamless experience. Choose from four distinct spaces or rent the entire restaurant for a memorable graduation ceremony that is anything but basic. The tassel is totally worth the hassle!